Have a green Halloween!

If you plan on having a spooky time this Halloween, spare a thought for the planet and go green!

By reducing, reusing and recycling your rubbish this Halloween you can save money and do your bit for the environment. Why not make the most of your scooped out pumpkin flesh by making tasty pumpkin tarts, soup or ravioli. A host of tasty recipes can be found at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com <http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/>.

Try and reduce your waste by sourcing Halloween treats with minimal packaging, buy loose apples for bobbing and try to buy in bulk rather than individually wrapped multi-packs.

Reuse what you have by making costumes from items around the house. Why not visit charity shops to source clothes and items for a hauntingly good costume. Try to avoid buying disposable plates and cutlery for parties, reusable ones will considerably reduce your waste.

Remember to recycle as much as you can, your scary pumpkin head can be chopped up and put in your compost bin but keep the seeds to try growing your own for next year! Recycle your food waste in your green kitchen caddy, and put newspapers and magazines, glass bottles and jars kerbside in your black recycling box. If you don’t have a caddy, or black recycling box call 01983 823777 or visit www.iwight.com/waste.

Laura Kay, Isle of Wight Council waste minimisation and recycling officer said: "It’s easy to forget about the rubbish we produce during parties but taking a few simple steps towards reducing, reusing and recycling waste can really make a difference."